Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1887-07-16
"A SAFE RETURN AND A PLEASANT
SURPRISE.


SURPRISE.
Agreeable to expectation, and to
the great joy and satisfaction of his
friends and his congregation, Rev.
I'll. j. McKeefry, Pastor of St.
Joseph's Church, this city, returned
Saturday evening from his trip to
Ireland, much improved in health
and overjoyed in mind and desire
by the happy time spent with aged
parents, friends and kindred, in the
land Of sorrows that gave him birth.
He had a pleasant voyage, and be-
You'd the fatigue OF travel, was in
the best health and spirits. The
sickness of his ageing parents kept
him with them as much as possible,
and prevented any extended visits
OF prolonged absence from their side.
The sad condition of his native peo-
pie cast shadow Of sorrow over all
else that might have been bright,
for he could be no true son of Erin
who could behold her sufferings and
her ruin without being moved to
compassion. For miles that he
travelled, the homes of the Irish
peasants and tenants lay in ashes,
and when he asked where are the
people, the answer was, "died in
the bitches, and gone to youc coun.
try.D The horrors of the evictions
are terrible, as childhood or woman
hood, age or bodily condition, are
not spared or regarded, but if the
rent is not paid the only place for
the unfortunate people is the road.
side. Yet withal, it is a beautiful
country, and under laws like we
have and a just distribution of the
land, health, happiness and plenty
might abound where now want and
misery hold dark sway. There is
less crime, though, than ever, and
coercion is only pretext to divide
the Irish and goad them on to rebel
lion. Irish rebellion would only
mean English butchery, as there is
no money and no armament,-the
crown officers making monthly visits
to the houses IN search of firearms
In all their prosecutions, the Irish
are faithful to their God and their
rulers, and respect even the hand
that smites them,. "a hireling magis
tracy. The poor people go miles
and miles to church, poorly clad and
wanting sufficient food.
But We gladly leave the dark pic.
ture our feelings have led us to re-
view, and return to the returned
from slavery, suffering and death, to
freedom, plenty and pleasure. When
it became known that Father Nc
Keefry was home, he had a constant
stream of callers and welcomers
from his brethren of the laity and
the clergy. He preached to large
and attentive congregation on Sun
day, and depicted the woes he had
witnessed in the country so dear tc
the hearts of many of his hearers
depicted them with all the feelings
inspired by the vividness of theil
memory.
The reverend paste. found every
reason for joy and thankfulness on
his return, and so expressed himself
to his congregation. The kind
ladies of the congregation took
charge of the pastoral residence in
the PASTORS absence, and refurnish
ed it in every necessary point sc
that it was quite as inviting and at
tractivc as new home. Others, as
kind aud conslderate, made up q
purse of over one hundred dollars
which was presented to him on
Tuesday evening, with an appropri
ate address by Mr.. John Farrin
herewith appended. Father Nc
Keefry was deeply moved and repli
ed most touchingly.
REV. FATHER AND GENTLEMEN
have been delegated to perform very
pleasant task this evening:
| REV. FATHER MCKEEFRY ON behalf
of your Pensioners l extend to you &
cordial welcome, back from the land Of
your birth to the bosom of your people
and God grant that your days may bt
long and happy amongst us. You have
been a faithful pastor and have done
credit to the parish since you have beer
amongst us. You have acted in a man
ner becoming your dignity as a man
and your duty as priest. We recog
nize this and appreciate it, and as homes
men we wish to give honest testimony tt
your worth. Your sterling qualities
have not been noticed by us alone. bu
have attracted the attention of your fel
low-citizens and upon all occasions yor
have acted the man and proved worthy
of the trust confided in you. You have
brought honor upon yourself and honol
upon your religion. Now, sir, acting
upon the principle that he who merits
the palm should wear it, we wish t.
present you slight testimonial of re
spect trust you will receive it, no
because of its intrinsic value, but becaus,
it is the spontaneous gift of the well
wishing people of your congregation
over whom you have presided for a Ions
time and now. Rev. Sir, I present tt
you this envelope, hoping you will fine
nothing therein to give you the slightes
displeasure.